October 2021
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Hello Neighbors!
We’re now on the other side of our Texas Night Out event, and it was a rousing success. Hopefully many of you were able to come out and enjoy it. It felt great to make a large event happen again, as safely as possible in these trying times, and it was wonderful seeing people so happy to be out together.
It was a much-needed reminder as to why the RCNA exists. We’re here to build community and make this a fantastic place to live for all residents, but particularly so for our members. I knew it was going to be special, seeing all those friendly faces out enjoying themselves. But what I hadn’t anticipated was how it would strengthen the bonds between our neighborhood and our first responders and service providers. Even though I was running around for most of the event, trying to ensure everything was running smoothly, I was able to have some meaningful conversations with our service/first responder teams about our relationship going forward. By the end of the night, they were as fired up as I was to brainstorm even more ways that we can strengthen their ties with our community. I’m really excited to share some of those opportunities with you once the logistics are worked out.
As part of those conversations, our RCNA board will also be looking for more ways to give special privileges to our members. We are grateful to you all for supporting us in our efforts to make these neighborhood events happen. And we always want to give you as much bang for your buck as we can, as a thank you for that support.
I can never express how much your membership means to the RCNA, and to me personally as its president.
Christine Newman, RCNA President
TEXAS NIGHT OUT 2021
What a fun night this was! We had a wonderful turn out, and everyone we spoke with just talked about how happy they were to be out and with their neighbors. As with everything in the age of Covid, spacing was a huge consideration when planning this event. And that planning seemed to really pay off! Those in attendance were able to space easily, to their comfort level, and we learned a lot about what will work best going forward while Covid is still a primary consideration.
Five food trucks were in attendance – Garbo’s, Mission Hot Dogs, Blue Basil Thai, Bat City Gelato and Kona Ice. There were a few long lines, but everyone was wonderful about being patient. We’ve listened and learned, and next year we’ll be sure to have a dedicated drink stand or truck to make it easier to purchase those on their own.
Teams from District 1 Constables, Wilco Sheriffs, Jollyville Fire, TDS and North Austin MUD 1 were all there to visit with our residents. At the end of the night, they all expressed what a great time they had and how they can’t wait to work with the RCNA in the future for even more community interactions.
Three of our local bands played on the Grand Pavilion stage – The Mr. Michael Group, Quarter Blonde, and The Lone Stars. Along with our very own Chuy Zarate serving as MC, they all did a wonderful job working together to give us an entertaining evening worth talking about. We are so lucky to have that venue at our disposal for events going forward. It’s a great spot!
We also carried over a handful of booths that had been scheduled for Rattan Fest- Rutuja Gadkari did free henna, Kristen Harris was there representing her Seed & Root Salon, The Kinnisons hosted a birdhouse craft at their Austin Lonestar Services booth, Mikel Eggert came out with his Smithica candles, and we had representatives out from Deerpark PTA and McNeil Band.
The one thing we heard said over and over again, by those with the food trucks and First Responders and service providers, was how delightful our neighborhood is and how kind and generous our residents are. They visit lots of Austin neighborhoods and they felt ours was one of the best they’ve been to. They went on and on about how friendly everyone was to them. That is a solid reminder of how lucky we all are to live in such a vibrant community.
Gardening with Friends and Neighbors
by Cathleen Gail
by Cathleen Gail
Rewild Your Yard – Please!
What does that mean??? Well, it does not mean you can just neglect your lawn. It is far more complex than that.
The conventional green, grassy front lawn originally came from Britain with its cool winters, overcast summers and abundant rains–a very un-Texas environment! Is this the best option? Manicured lawns are a desert to the pollinators that are essential to 35% of the world’s food crops as well as our entire ecosystem. Conventional lawns also require unnecessary chemicals and lawn equipment to maintain.
Some of the most common pollinators helping our planet include butterflies, moths, birds, and–most important—bees. Fortunately, an increasingly popular movement that advocates for the replacement of, at least part of the lawn, with native and adapted plants, specific to your region, is growing. This movement offers so many benefits since these kind plants are more resilient, require less water and are easier to maintain. Since this is the natural environment that the plants evolved in, you’ll find that pollinators will start to return – bees, butterflies, and birds. I experience so much joy when I walk out to my new garden and a cloud of pollinators fly out. See the David Suzuki Foundation for some great tips on how to create a pollinator-friendly garden.
This year, for the first time, monarchs are filling my garden as they make their way to their winter home in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico. In the past 20 years, their numbers have decreased by 90%! Supporting the journey of these magnificent pollinators is enough of a reason for me to give them some lawn space!
Monarchs have a life cycle that includes four, or sometimes, five generations as they travel north in the spring, but the ones returning home in the fall make it all the way – up to 3,000 miles! The fourth-generation monarchs – the ones we are just starting to see now – live very different lives than their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents before them. These super monarchs live longer, travel farther, and reproduce on a different schedule than their relatives. The super monarchs can travel 50 or even 100 miles per day, often riding thermal air currents, sometimes as high as one mile above the ground. Their journey is filled with mystery for the scientists that study them. How do they know the exact spot to return to where their great-great grandparent roosted? Although those that journey south at this time of the year do not lay eggs, they are still desperately in need of nutrition to make this incredible journey. The food they eat before and during their migration south must not only power them through the long journey, but it also must sustain them throughout the winter. Although milkweed is the host plant for monarchs, and essential for raising their larva, super monarchs eat a variety of native plant nectar. The monarchs in my garden seem to love lantana, yarrow, milkweed, daisies, and sunflowers.
Please consider rewilding your yard and planting milkweed and other Central Texas wildflowers now for spring to assist the monarchs, and other pollinators, growing in numbers. A Texas seed source for green milkweed seeds is Native American Seed Company,
Top 10 Home Projects for Fall!
by KRISTI COPELAND
Top 10 Home Projects for Fall!
by KRISTI COPELAND
Now that the weather has finally started cooling off, it’s the perfect opportunity to clean up from Summer and prepare your home for cooler weather. Especially after our surprise Snowpocalypse back in February, don’t let yourself get caught off-guard in the colder weather.
Upgrade Your Old Furnace
If your furnace is 10 to 15 years old and is taking longer to heat up the house than usual, it may be time to replace it. Pay close attention to the SEER ratings and choose an efficient fuel like natural gas to help save money.
Check On Your Weatherstripping
Check all the weatherstripping around your doors, windows, and garage door. The felt strips seal these openings to prevent drafts, but they can get dirty and wear down over time. Replace any faded weatherstripping and complete any other insulation tasks you’ve been putting off.
Seal Any Air Leaks in the Attic
If you can see any daylight shining through the roof in your attic, you have air leaks (and pest entrances). Seal those off with foam insulation to keep your house warm over winter. But make sure not to close off any attic vents, however, as that’s necessary to circulate air in your attic.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Your gutters work hard over Fall and Winter, and they need your help. Clean them out now while the weather is pleasant to prevent gutters from overflowing with rain (or snow!) and damaging your roof.
Replace Old Single-Pane Windows
The original builder-grade, single-pane windows still on many of our Rattan Creek homes are very poor insulators. If you still have any of these windows, consider replacing them with double-pane insulated windows.
Spread Mulch in Garden Beds
Spread a 2” layer of mulch among your perennial flowers and plants. This will help insulate them from frigid temperatures and also provides a bit of extra protection against hungry critters.
Replace Missing Shingles
It’s super important that your roof is in good shape to resist wind, rain and snow. Replace any missing shingles and fix other signs of damage before those eyesores turn into serious and expensive leaking problems. Contact a reputable roofing contractor to help you assess the health of your roof.
Prepare Your Fireplace
For wood fireplaces, clean them thoroughly, check the chimney and the flue, and make sure that you have an adequate supply of wood. Gas and electric fireplaces can also benefit from an annual inspection from a qualified professional before colder weather arrives.
Switch Your Ceiling Fan Direction
Ceiling fans should turn clockwise in the colder months, which pushes warm air back down into the room. Most fans have a simple switch that reverses the direction.
Trim Problem Bushes and Trees
We all know the wind can really blow here in Texas, and the last thing you want are branches hitting your house during a windstorm. Now’s the time to inspect nearby trees and shrubs, and cut any low-hanging or dying branches before they can do damage. Don’t go crazy, though. Trimming promotes new growth, so make sure to wait until your bushes and trees are truly dormant.
Baking with someone who doesn't typically bake
by Velisia Escobar
by Velisia Escobar
I am definitely basic when it comes to anything pumpkin. If you feel the same and want something that you can treat yourself with – you need to make these pumpkin smoothies. My son has told me it’s bussin’ bussin’ 😀
- Well ahead of time, place pumpkin pie filling into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for a few hours or until frozen solid.
- To make the smoothie, add milk, and yogurt to a blender. Drop in the frozen pumpkin pie filling and blend until the frozen filling is completely pulverized. Add more milk or yogurt as needed to get it the consistency you’d like.
- Pour into individual glasses and sprinkle the tops with graham cracker crumbs. Serve immediately!
TRICK OR TREATING @ THE CLAIRMONT!
SCOUTS
The Scouting movement in Rattan Creek is alive and well, even through times of COVID-19. Scouting is a great opportunity for our neighborhood youth, both male and female of almost all ages, to participate in a social activity with their peers to learn life lessons and build leadership capabilities. There are several opportunities for various ages in our neighborhood:
Cub Scout Pack 159 – Chartered on October 1, 1971, Pack 159 is one of the older and more established Cub Scout packs in the Northwest Austin area. Many of our scouts attend Pond Springs Elementary or Jollyville Elementary. We welcome scouts and families from all different backgrounds. Pack 159 is open to boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Online: pack159.org | Facebook: facebook.com/pack159tx
Scouts BSA Troop 259 – Troop 259 serves male youth aged from 11 to 17. Many of our Scouts attend from junior high schools such as Deerpark, Grisham, Canyon Vista, Pearson Ranch, and Cedar Valley along with high schools such as McNeil or Westwood. We meet weekly, camp monthly, and attend summer and high adventure camps annually. We are firm believers in giving back to our community through service. You will likely find our Scouts involved in local school and neighborhood activities.
Online: scout259.org | Facebook: facebook.com/scout259
HURRICANES
Hurricanes next season is in 2022 – learn more here: https://hurricanes.swimtopia.com/
SCHOOL CORNER
Find out what’s happening in the neighborhood schools of Jollyville, Pond Springs, Deerpark and McNeil!
MCNEIL
You can bring in a donation or order via Amazon and have it sent directly to the school: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1XO5Z7VY86PWT/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
DEERPARK
Donate to the Deerpark Middle School PTA No Fuss Fundraiser here! https://tinyurl.com/2fcycme5
POND SPRINGS
SUPPORT THE PSE PTA WITH DONUTS!
JOLLYVILLE ELEMENTARY
The Jollyville Elementary PTA is working on a Trunk or Treat for Friday, October 29th for the JVE community. If you ae interested in being a sponsor and hosting a “Trunk” at the event email to JollyvillePTA@gmail.com to get more information.
We were lucky enough to get copies of all the old RCNA newsletters! Every month we’ll include something that was in a past newsletter in the same month or time of year. Enjoy the history lessons!
From October 1997! There used to be a Teen Night Halloween Party that included a scavenger hunt, glow in the dark volleyball, music! Sounds epic!
In the same newsletter it referenced the building of Anderson Mill road from Parmer to Osbourne! So crazy to think that Anderson Mill wasn’t a major road.
HELPFUL LINKS TO NEIGHBORHOOD INFO
HELPFUL LINKS TO NEIGHBORHOOD INFO
- North Austin MUD 1: https://northaustinmud1.org/
- Rattan Creek Neighborhood Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RattanCreekNeighborhood
- Rattan Creek Neighborhood Buy Sell Trade Give: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RCNBuySellTrade
- Rattan Creek Buy Nothing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bnplosindioshunterschaserattancreek
- Rattan Creek Tots Playgroup: https://www.facebook.com/groups/766011216785046
- Rattan Creek Pokemon Go: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1378225265618880
- Rattan Creek Women’s Book Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rcwomensbookclub